Hickory Edwards (Onondaga, Turtle Clan) is the paddling coordinator for the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign. Andy Mager is the campaign coordinator.

By Hickory Edwards and Andy Mager

Over two years ago, we began discussions to mark the 400th anniversary of the Two Row Wampum Treaty, the first treaty between the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Europeans. We developed a plan to share the Two Row throughout New York state and beyond, to bring the Onondaga Nation's vision for healing between our peoples and between humans and Mother Earth to many thousands of people. That idea has become a reality!

Along with hundreds of others, we have just completed our two week paddling trek down the River that Flows Both Ways (the Hudson). Nearly 200 people paddled each day, in sun and rain, calm and tumult. Paddlers and ground crew joined us from all six Haudenosaunee nations and from at least 20 other native nations. Many thousands of people greeted us along the way and millions more learned about the effort through the media. This effort completed the journey begun from the Onondaga Nation on July 2.

The Two Row, made with the Dutch in 1613, outlines a commitment to peace, friendship and respect for one another and the laws of nature. The Haudenosaunee increasingly emphasize that protecting Mother Earth is necessary for this continuing friendship.

The Two Row Wampum began what is called the "Covenant Chain of Treaties," a series of treaties between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch, British, French, United States and Canada. We are polishing and renewing this centuries-old chain of friendship between our nations: drawing more people to support Indigenous sovereignty, protect our shared environment, build support for a just resolution of the Haudenosaunee land disputes, and for full recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples everywhere. The treaties of the Covenant Chain are often called "Indian Treaties." However treaties are made between nations, and according to Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, treaties are "the Supreme Law of the Land."

The Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign is raising awareness of and building support networks to address two interrelated issues: the devastation experienced by the Haudenosaunee and other native nations as part of centuries-long efforts to destroy or assimilate them, and the related environmental damage that affects us all.
We have built a broad alliance between the Haudenosaunee, other native nations/peoples and non-native allies to achieve social and economic justice for the Haudenosaunee, and all indigenous peoples, as well as environmental justice for all. The campaign highlights the importance of the Two Row Wampum Treaty and calls on New York state and the U.S. to honor their obligations under this and subsequent treaties.

There are more than 85 organizational co-sponsors of the campaign. The Haudenosaunee Grand Council has issued a strong statement of support for the effort. We collaborated with the Dakota Unity Riders from Manitoba who joined us at spots along the way. Nearly a dozen municipalities, including Onondaga County, Syracuse, Albany, Ithaca, New York City and others, have already issued strong statements of support for the renewal of the Two Row. Discussions of similar resolutions are underway elsewhere. It has been an amazing process which has inspired many people.

Our symbolic "enactment" of the treaty with Haudenosaunee (along with other native friends) paddling side-by-side down the Hudson River with non-native allies brought the Two Row vision to life. Crowds, large and small came to our launches, landings and events. Our journey concluded in New York City on Aug. 9, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. Following a welcome at the pier, we marched, some 500 strong, across Manhattan to the United Nations where a delegation from the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues greeted us. At the formal UN event afterward, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the paddlers and noted, "Today, we highlight the importance of honoring treaties."

As we return to our homes in Syracuse, Onondaga, Albany, Akwesasne, Rochester, Six Nations, Minnesota, Tonawanda, the Hudson Valley, Tuscarora, Ithaca, Kahnawake, California, Allegany, Tully, the Netherlands, Oneida Wisconsin, Brooklyn, Cattaraugus, Vancouver, Tyendinaga and elsewhere, we are taking a much needed rest. Soon we will begin assessing how far we have come and how to continue moving ahead with our goals of Peace, Friendship and Sustainability. To learn how you can join in, see www.honorthetworow.org.

When we began these discussions over 26 moons ago, we were seeking a way to mobilize public support for justice and environmental protection. As Hickory has said, "Our ancestors made this great agreement on our behalf 400 years ago. "Now is the time for us to think about the people living in the next 400 years."